Hopkins & Allen XL No 8 Army .44-40 Win 6.5″ Single Action Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $2825
LSB#: 220314TW045
Make: Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co.
Model: XL Number 8
Serial#: 1076
Year of Manufacture: 1880, Antique
Caliber: .44-40 (Winchester 1873)
Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with a Side-Gate Loaded 6-Round Cylinder.
Markings: The top-strap is marked “HOPKINS & ALLEN M’F’G Co / PAT. MCH 28.71 MAY 27. 79” and “XL NO. 8 / CAL. WINCHESTER 1873”. The bottom of the barrel, concealed by the cylinder pin, is marked with the serial number “1076”. The left side of the grip strap is serial matched. The right grip panel is serial matched. The side-loading gate is serial matched. The cylinder pin is serial matched.
Barrel Length: 6.5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the top-strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered hard rubber. The grips have some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, the grips are discolored and have taken a brown color. The checkering remains mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with mostly sharp rifling. There is moderate erosion concentrated in the grooves of the rifling and some scattered light patches of pitting.
Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are some light-moderate handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the gun’s metal surfaces. Notably, there are scattered patches of light surface oxidation concentrated on the grip straps (principally on the back-strap), there is a moderate patch of finish loss on the right side of the frame above the grip, a turn-line has developed on the cylinder and there is some finish loss around the muzzle. The markings remain clear. The screw that holds the loading gate is missing and the butt-strap appears to be missing a screw. The installed screws have some light handling marks but they remain serviceable. Overall, the revolver remains in Very Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with barely palpable play on each chamber. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Hopkins & Allen manufactured XL No. 8 large frame single action style revolver chambered for .44-40 (Winchester 1873) caliber cartridges. Among the major firearms manufacturers in late 19th century America Hopkins & Allen has been unfairly regarded as the lower quality alternative to the more well known names like S&W, Remington and Colt. The truth is that Hopkins & Allen made quality firearms and the XL No. 8 is a great example of the workmanship that the company was capable of. The revolver was made in a number of variations chambered in .38 and .44 rimfire in addition to several centerfire calibers including .44-40 (this revolver’s chambering). There were two other large frame revolvers made by the company the XL Navy and XL Police and all three were in production from approximately 1877-1885. Based on the serial number this particular revolver was made in 1880. Unfortunately, these revolvers simply did not offer enough of a niche to displace their competitors and Hopkins and Allen moved on to other projects. Mechanically this revolver has wear consistent with a firearm made approximately 142 years ago and, while some screws are missing, mechanically it still functions normally. The gun is an interesting specimen that should definitely appeal to fans of historical firearms and dedicated Hopkins & Allen collectors alike. Good luck on your bid!